2 computers and 1 printer

[dearhunter]

I just got a new printer for Christmas, a Lexmark X1240.
Me and my grandson share an office with two computers and this new printer.
I want to set up both computers to share this printer so do they make a USB splitter cable or is there a cheap mechanical switch i can install.
Ithank you for any suggestions.

[AnotherMuggle]

Here are some simple, manual USB switching devices:
http://www.usbgear.com/USB-Sharing.html

Alternatively, you could set up a simple network between the two computers.

[glc]

If you have both computers already connected to a router to share Internet, you already have a network.

[dearhunter]

i do have a router connecting both computers to the internet but if i hook up the printer up to my computer how can my grandson use it on his computer. I guess what i'm saying is what proceedure do i go through to get his computer access to the printer. if this make scense to you.

[AnotherMuggle]

This is a good place to start:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...utt_july2.mspx

[glc]

Run the home networking wizard on both computers, telling it that the computer is connected to the Internet through a residential gateway. Then follow the procedure in the article to share and connect to the printer.

[dearhunter]

thank you all for your help

[dearhunter]

I used the network wizzard and it said i am connected through the network but when i go to print a document from my other computer that the printer is not phisically connected to I get a box that saids "save as".
and no printing.
I followed the link above and did everything to the computer with the printer ( printer name is Lexmark 1200 Series). went to the other computer click add a printer, clicked printer connections and search, but the only thing that shows for a printer is (Microsoft office docunent Image writer) It does say connect to a printer on the internet or home/office networkbut it wants a URL address and i don't know how to find that.

[Staren]

If you have the network wizard already set, all you should have to do (with both computers on and connected)

On the second computer, go to Control Panel, Printers and Faxes (I use classic view), then File, Add Printer. In the dialog, select Add a Network Printer or Printer connected to another computer, then on the next screen Browse for a printer. You should see the name of the printer under the name of the computer it is attached to.

[dearhunter]

on computer 2 i go to brose for printer and get the box with printer and a blank space.
below that i havemicrosoft windows network. below that, MSHome, below that, a picture of a printer and the name of computer 2 with Microsoft officedocur microsoft document image writ.
below that picture of a computer wth computer 1 name. below that is the same but with the name of computer 2.
on computer 1 the printer name is lexmark 1200 series.
i typed that on the space on computer 2 and it saids cannot connect to the printer either the printer name is typed incorrect or the printer has lost its connection.
i highlighted all 5 lines in the share printer box one at a time and typed the lexmark 1200 series where it saids printer and that error measage still comes up. help.

[Staren]

You're sure both computers and the printer are powered on and connected. When I open that windoiw, I see

Microsoft Windows Network
--MSHOME
---Main Desktop
----HP Deskjet 5550 Series
---Laptop

And all I have to do is select the deskject on the laptoip and it is set as a usable printer.

[glc]

You have to share the printer. On Computer 1, right click on the printer and select Sharing.

[dearhunter]

i found out what i was doing wrong.
i went to the name the printer was phyically attach to(computer 1) and under that name double click, then then you get a subtitle under the computer name, that subtitle has the name of my printer, then i just click onto the name, click a couple of yeses and then everything works. i also did this to my labtop (wireless).
thanks for all your help.